On 7th August we were finally able to hold a small tea party to thank our outgoing Branch Director, Will Adams.
Will has been our Branch Director for the last three years but his term of office ended at the beginning of July when he handed over the reins to Davina Birkbeck. Will has achieved a great deal during his tenure in supporting all the branch volunteers, never more so than during the last few months when many have not been able to come in to the branch for listening duties. He has given many talks and presentations to a wide variety of organisations, schools, colleges and clubs reaching well over 1,000 people.
At the beginning of his directorship, Will stated an aim for reaching out to men who are known to be more vulnerable to suicide and he has worked wonders, from having beer mats placed in several local pubs, posters in locker rooms an Bannatynes Gym, the banner at Brackley Town FC and most of all, establishing a collaberative working relationship with Banbury Young Homeless Project.
In normal times we would have been able to have a whole branch celebration and presentation for Will but this has not been possible, so instead a small group of us were able to meet outdoors on 7th August for tea and cake (and a few tears). Will has been an exceptional director and gone about the task in his quiet and considered way and we look forward to him rejoining us all for listening duties after a well earned rest!
The branch is now in the equally safe hands of Davina as we move forward in these difficult times.